Oral input-seeking behavior in second language acquisition: Conceptualization and operationalization

This study conceptualizes oral input-seeking behavior as a construct in second language (L2) acquisition and develops and validates an instrument to measure it. Based on themes that emerged from semi-structured interviews, two questionnaire scales were developed to represent Proactive Input Exposure, which refers to learners’ proactive efforts to seek oral L2 input opportunities, and Proactive Input Monitoring, which involves analyzing available oral L2 input for language learning. Data were collected from 206 Spanish learners in Florida, 294 EFL learners in Iran, and 148 English learners in Japan. Factor-analytic results across the three datasets supported our hypothesized two-factor structure. Evidence for discriminant and convergent validity was established through confirmatory factor analysis, average variance extracted, and reliability analyses. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that, after controlling for the length of L2 study, Proactive Input Exposure and Proactive Input Monitoring explained significant amounts of variance in learners’ self-assessed L2 proficiency in Iran and in objective listening comprehension in Japan. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the validity of oral input-seeking behavior as a domain-specific dimension of proactive language learning.